The work of Ronald McDonald House charity has been lauded as ‘exceptional’ by the director of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, after the charity raised £155,000 at their annual gala dinner.

The charity accommodates families who have ill children in hospital, and the Manchester branch is one of 14 across the UK.

Earlier this month the charity held a glamorous 1920s-style gala dinner, at which it was announced that the magnificent six-figure sum had been raised.

And Sue Lunt, Hospital Director at the Children’s Hospital – one of two establishments Ronald McDonald support in the city along with St Mary’s Neonatal Unit – described the amount raised as ‘fantastic’.

“Congratulations to Ronald McDonald House Manchester on the fantastic amount of money raised at its annual gala dinner,” she said.

“The House provides an exceptional service, allowing parents to stay close to their children whilst they are being treated at our specialist hospital.

“We look after over 140,000 children and young people throughout the North West, as well as nationally and internationally each year.

“We know the families staying at the House appreciate having the comfort of this home away from home, and the extra support provided to families by the staff from Ronald McDonald House.”

The event was the sixth annual gala organised by the charity, which helps an estimated six thousand families stay close by to their ill children every year.

Jo Wilkinson, senior fundraiser at the Manchester branch, was effusive in expressing the charities gratitude for their supporters.

“We want to say a massive thank you to all of our supporters, corporate sponsors and staff that helped make the night such a great success,” she said.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for everyone’s generosity and backing.

“It was a really memorable evening and the fantastic figure raised will help to provide approximately 6,200 nights of free accommodation to families with children in hospital, so we really can’t say thank you enough.”

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